WA Sepsis Program

JUST ASK, COULD IT BE SEPSIS?

Sepsis is a life-threatening response to any infection that progresses quickly and requires immediate attention. Know the signs and symptoms (one or all of the following may be present).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEPSIS

Rapid breathing

Rapid heart rate

Confusion, slurred speech or disorientation

Fever or shivering

Muscle pain

Not passing urine

Discoloured skin

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO!

Early-stage sepsis:

Sufferers are generally unwell, may display one or all of the signs and symptoms, feel worse than when previously sick and there is concern
Contact healthdirect at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ OR Call 1800 022 222 (24 hours) and ask…could it be sepsis?

Later stage sepsis:

Sufferers are seriously unwell, likely to display significant changes in multiple signs and symptoms, feel like they might die and there is serious concern
CALL 000 Ambulance or if quicker go immediately to the closest Emergency Department and ask….could it be sepsis?

Key considerations:

If concerned get advice immediately
If seriously concerned get treatment immediately
Inflammation due to infection is normal but in sepsis the inflammation response is uncontrolled, it may start mildly but rapidly escalate to critical illness
Sepsis is difficult to recognise as it may not have an obvious cause, it can look like viral or bacterial illnesses such as flu, gastro or urinary tract infection
Trust your intuition…if it doesn’t feel right TAKE ACTION and always ask…could it be sepsis?

symptom checker Call 000

Over the past year, Western Australia has significantly expanded its Sepsis Program, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing this critical health condition. This initiative encompasses several projects designed to improve sepsis care and support across the state.

Led by Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) in partnership with the WA Department of Health, a key achievement has been the statewide implementation of the Paediatric Sepsis Pathway. This whole-of-hospital framework, supported by an educational package featuring e-learning modules and workshops, aims to enhance the delivery of paediatric sepsis care across all WA hospitals. Full implementation is expected by mid-2025, ensuring a consistent standard of care for children affected by sepsis.

Further developments include a locally developed neonatal clinical deterioration and sepsis pathway that will be launched in May 2025 at the Child and Adolescent Health Service neonatal units. Maternity and Adult Sepsis Pathways are scheduled for release in 2025/2026. These pathways will extend the program’s reach, ensuring tailored care for a broader demographic.

Since 2022, the Sepsis Clinical Care Standard Audit at PCH has become an integral component of routine operations. To promote uniformity across the healthcare system, a modified version of the audit template has been provided to all other Health Service Providers (HSPs).

PCH has also collaborated closely with its Consumer Reference Group to expand its Sepsis Consumer Resources, which are now available for use by all HSPs. These resources play a vital role in supporting individuals and families impacted by sepsis, contributing to greater awareness and understanding.

Additionally, the launch of the PCH Post-Sepsis Care Program marks a significant milestone in patient support. This initiative provides comprehensive follow-up care at 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge for children who have experienced a sepsis-related hospital admission exceeding seven days. By addressing the long-term effects of sepsis, this program ensures ongoing support for young survivors and their families across Western Australia.

These efforts collectively underscore Western Australia’s commitment to advancing sepsis care, education, and post-treatment support.

Western Australia Strengthens Its Sepsis Program